What we have here is a failure to communicate

I was spoiled in a variety of ways growing up the way I did. One of these ways was in having the doctor that I had in Kingston. From birth to 26 I had the same GP. He was a doctor and a scientist, exceptionally patient and would always be sure to explain everything going on as well as answer any question you had. This man's bedside manner was awesome.

And frankly, if it made any kind of sense I would prefer to see him than the doctors I have here in Toronto, but it really makes no sense to travel 3 hours to see your physician when you live in Canada's most populous city.

So I'm here. And there are plenty of good doctors, so how did I end up in a situation yesterday where, despite insistent questioning, I could not get a straight answer out of my endocrinologist about what my next set of tests means for me. It was such a frustrating situation. I mean, this man has been doing this for what appears to be most of the 20th century, so it's not like he wouldn't know how to describe what's going on? Why all the mystery and dismissive answers? Sure, what's going on may be totally normal, typical and something you've seen a million times in terms of the spectrum of thyroid issues, but it's pretty darn new and important to me.

So when I ask "Is this normal? What does this mean?" don't give me the "well, none of this is normal." and then leave it at that. Are you trying to make me go crazy with concern and doubt? Why not explain the progression of the condition, explain that what you're doing it totally routine, explain what the rest of the process is going to be. Instead of being Capitan Mysterious and getting me upset and concerned for no reason.

And thank goodness that my mother is the medical encycolpaedia that she is (and just awesome Mom-wise). Within 10 minutes of being out of the doctor's office I was on the phone to her getting an actual explanation of what's going on with me and what the next tests mean.

And what do they mean? That it's all part of the process. That they're still sorting out the right dosage of synthroid so that I am getting the right amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone. It's normal for the condition. Sure it's abnormal in the sense that hypothyroidism isn't normal, but someone who's been treating people for as long as this doctor as should understand that distinction and have the sense to clarify.

So today I'm looking for a new specialist, one who knows how to answer questions and understands that people need to be involved with their care and understand what's going on. Cause really, I'm not putting up with any more of this.

HRH